Local Activities
Ladysmith
It has been said that Ladysmith is "remote enough to feel free of urban nuisances, urban enough not to feel remote" (Harrowsmith Country Life Magazine, April 2000).
The town boasts two distinct business centres:
- Historical downtown district (north Ladysmith); and
- Coronation Mall (south Ladysmith) separated by the forested Holland Creek valley.
Along Ladysmith's waterfront lies Transfer Beach Park, sure to be one of your favourite locales. With such amenities as picnic facilities, sheltered cooking areas, large playgrounds and open fields, there is something for everyone here.
Stroll along the sandy beaches collecting shells or sit on one of the many benches and watch the world tranquilly slip by. The seasonal concession stand, water play park, kayak rentals and ample lighting make Transfer Beach Park a great year round destination day or night.
The park's outdoor amphitheatre annually hosts the Ladysmith Lumberjack competition. Among the events in the competition is the pole climbing event where lumberjacks race up and down massive free standing wooden tree poles right on the waterfront!
Other events taking place at the park include car shows, Ladysmith Days (with fireworks) and, among others, the kayaking festival Paddlefest.
First Nations
The first inhabitants of what is now known as the Town of Ladysmith were the people of the Stz’uminus First Nation. For thousands of years, the Stz’uminus people used Ladysmith Harbour and its environs as a rich source of fish and shellfish. The Stz’uminus established numerous fishing camps around the harbour, where they practised traditional food gathering techniques.
The two other reserves are located south of Chemainus. Although the Harbour is no longer the rich source of marine life it once was, the Stz’uminus people continue to practice many aspects of their traditional lifestyle and are working with the Town of Ladysmith to restore the Harbour to its original condition.
Today, the Stz’uminus are a progressive people who are moving towards building an independent nation via economic development, education and partnerships.